Dynamic Stabilizing Knee Support System

ABSTRACT

A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/338,237 filed Feb. 16, 2010 for a “Dynamic Stabilizing Knee SupportSystem,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to knee braces and more particularly toa knee brace that may be customized to meet different levels ofstability needs.

BACKGROUND

Knee braces are often used for people who have had soft tissue tearingand subsequent soft tissue reconstruction surgery to repair the ligamentand rebalance the joint back to close to normal stability. This oftenleaves the user in a position to require a brace when playing sports toprotect from further injury. Existing reconstruction techniques havebeen successful in restoring stability; however, due to anatomy andphysiological differences of different users, the need for a brace isstill real.

One of the problems with existing rigid braces is that this is oftenmore bracing than what is really needed for people who have had softtissue reconstruction. Generally upper level brace designs use some formof a rigid frame, cuffs, metal mechanically tracking hinges and avariety of strapping placed around the frame to restrict or limitmovement of the proximal tibia during play to protect against subsequentinjury. Additionally, existing designs do not have adjustable stabilitylevels. Instead, the braces come in a “one level fits all needs” and themany people do not need this level of bracing.

Rigid bracing problems occur because the frame and hinge do not useanatomic methods for stability and restrict naturally kinematicmovements. The leg and knee are a dynamic functioning system; attachinga rigid frame does not allow natural independent movement of the thighand calf and the hinge does not allow natural rotation of the tibia onthe femur during flexion. This creates a constrained joint and restrictsthe natural kinematic movement. This constraint creates problems duringactivity by restricting mobility/agility causing the inability to pivotturn—because the frame will not flex and let it occur. Additionally, theleg fights the brace for freedom of movement causing the brace to movearound on the user's leg. This creates an unnatural binding feeling thatcauses the brace to migrate around, which results in the user constantlyfidgeting with the brace.

After using the brace, the user becomes disenchanted with it—quits usingthe brace and either quits their desired level of play or tries a softsupport that cannot provide enough protection to prevent further injury.This leaves the user without an available support to fit their specificneeds. This identifies another problem. Existing choices of braces areeither too much bracing—“over kill” or soft neoprene type products or,“not allow enough stabilizing support.” This leaves a problem for peopleand identifies major market needs.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a knee braceassembly that provides a user's leg with superior mobility to performwithout restrictions of existing braces, which permits the user to enjoypre-injury applications. In one embodiment, the knee brace assemblyincludes a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to thethigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf.The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting theproximal compression system and the distal compression system to permitrotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect tothe distal compression system so the thigh and calf may moveindependently. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximalcompression system and the distal compression system. The strap isleveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distalcompression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf whenthe leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system andthe distal compression system when the leg is in flexion. This providesanatomic stability and movement to provide upper levels of stability.

In one embodiment, the hinge assembly provides a natural movement thatallows the thigh and calf to move independently to allow the tibia torotate on the femur when the leg is in flexion, but stabilizes inextension. This removes the binding sensation to provide a greater senseof stability for the user along with reducing possible migration of thebrace along the user's leg. For example, the hinge assemblies mayinclude a cam surface that restricts movement to a single axis when theleg is extended, but allows movement in more than one axis when the legis in flexion.

Embodiments are contemplated in which the brace may be customized tomeet different levels of stability needs. For example, the compressionsystems may include compression plates that can be used to set thestability of the brace. There could be a plurality of compressionplates, for example, that have various levels of stiffness and density.Although the compression plates are typically made of plastic, in oneembodiment, a metal add-on connector may be provided to increasestability. This allows the system to change stability levels todifferent levels of sport demand, which is a feature currently missingfrom existing knee braces. Additionally, a physician could change levelsof stability during the rehab process and provide a recommendedconfiguration for long term use. Moreover, embodiments are contemplatedin which the size of the compression systems could be adjusted to allowfor various sizes of thighs and calves of users. This type of sizingchangeability allows the design to be “off the shelve” without customfitting.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the illustrated embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived. It is intended thatall such additional features and advantages be included within thisdescription and be within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be described hereafter with reference to theattached drawings which are given as non-limiting examples only, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knee brace assembly according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a posterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an anterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 1 with the straps and sleeve removed;

FIG. 4 is a posterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an anterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 3 in a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 6 is an anterior view of an example knee brace assembly withoptional add-on medial-lateral connectors according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example hinge assembly that could be usedwith the knee brace assembly according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of the example hinge assembly shown inFIG. 8 along line 9-9;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the example hinge assembly shown in FIG. 8 ina disassembled state;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views of the example hinge assemblyshown in FIG. 8;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are examples of inside and outside hinge plates with camsurfaces according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an anterior view of an example knee brace assembly accordingto an embodiment of the invention with a knee in flexion;

FIG. 16 is a posterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 15 with a knee in flexion;

FIG. 17 is an anterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 15 with the knee in extension;

FIG. 18 is a posterior view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 15 with a knee in extension; and

FIG. 19 is a lateral view of the example knee brace assembly shown inFIG. 15 with a knee in extension.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principals of the invention. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplification isnot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodimentsthereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and willherein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, thatthere is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure tothe particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The present invention concerns an improved knee brace. Accordingly, FIG.1 depicts an embodiment of the knee brace assembly, shown generally at10. For purposes of orientation, general anatomic terms will be usedherein to describe the knee brace assembly 10. Thus, the knee braceassembly 10 will be described with respect to a proximal end 12, distalend 14, a medial side 16, a lateral side 18, an anterior side 20, and aposterior side 22.

In the example knee brace assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, a flexible sleeve24, such as a neoprene sleeve, is provided to be wore by the user; asshown, the sleeve 24 includes an optional opening 26 configured toapproximately align with the user's knee cap. The sleeve 24 is removablefrom the knee brace assembly 10 and may be replaced.

A proximal compression system 28 is pivotally connected with a distalcompression system 30 via a hinge assembly 32. The proximal compressionsystem 28 is intended to be secured to the user's thigh (See FIGS.14-19). The distal compression system is intended to be secured to theuser's calf (See FIGS. 14-19).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a first inelastic strap 38 and asecond inelastic strap 40 extend around the proximal compression system28 through a proximal lateral strap capture 42 and proximal medial strapcapture 44 (FIG. 2) to the posterior side of the knee brace assembly 10.In one embodiment, the straps 38, 40 may be made of nylon. As shown, afirst strap buckle 46 and a second strap buckle 48 attach the straps 38,40. In this example, the buckles 46, 48 allow adjustability to thelength of the straps 38, 40 so that compression can be adjusted asdesired. As shown, the first strap 38 extends from the proximal lateralstrap capture 42 through a lateral attachment anchor 50 to the posteriorof the knee brace assembly 10. In the example shown, FIG. 1 also showsthe first strap 38 and the second strap 40 extending back from theposterior side 22 of the knee brace assembly 10 to the anterior side 20around the distal compression system 30. As discussed below, theconfiguration of the first strap and the second strap may be adjusteddepending on the user's needs. For example, in the strap configurationshown in FIGS. 14-19 only the second strap 40 extends around the distalcompression system 30.

FIG. 2 shows an example route of the first strap 38 and the second strap40 on the posterior side 22 of the knee brace assembly 10. In thisexample, the first strap 38 wraps around the proximal compression system28 and routes through the lateral attachment anchor 50 and medialclosure loop 52 so that the lateral and medial sides of the first strap38 cross over and extend through the proximal lateral strap capture 54and proximal medial strap capture 56, respectively. The first strap 38passes through the lateral leverage strut anchor 58 and medial leveragestrut anchor 60. As shown, the first strap 38 then passes through thedistal lateral strap strut anchor 62 and the distal medial strap strutanchor 64. The first strap 38 then crosses and passes through a distallateral attachment anchor 66 and a distal medial closure loop 68 aroundto the anterior side of the distal compression system 30.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the second strap 40 crosses around theposterior of the brace assembly 10 and passes through the lateralleverage strut anchor 58 and the medial leverage strut anchor 60. Thesecond strap 40, in this example configuration, extends around theanterior side of the distal compression system 30 through a distallateral strap capture 70 and a distal medial strap capture 72.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the knee brace assembly 10 with the sleeve 24 andstraps 38, 40 removed. FIG. 5 shows the compression systems 28, 30partially disassembled with the hinge assemblies 32. As shown, aproximal closure strap 114 and distal closure strap 116 can be seen. Inthe embodiment shown, the straps 114, 116 are attached to attachmentanchors 50, 66 and can connect to closure loops 52, 68.

In this example, the proximal compression system 28 includes a proximallateral compression plate 74 and a proximal medial compression plate 76that are connected by a proximal medial to lateral connector 78 usingfasteners 80. In this example, the distal compression system 30 includesa distal lateral compression plate 82 and a distal medial compressionplate 84 that are connected by a first distal medial to lateralconnector 86 and a second distal medial to lateral connector 87 usingfasteners 88. In this example, the proximal/distal medial to lateralconnectors 78, 86 include openings 89 so that the size of thecompression systems 28, 30 can be adjusted to accommodate users withvarious sizes of users' thighs and calves.

The compression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 are positioned over major musclegroups at the thigh and calf to use the tight muscles as a stabilesubstrate for available natural strength. In one embodiment, asdiscussed below, the plates 74, 76, 82, 84 are plastic and come in avariety (e.g., 3) different densities of flex/stiffness and areinterchangeable to create different levels of stability. The plates 74,76, 82, 84 are designed to have a broad tissue coverage grid for bettercompression strength and provide a stabile surface to prevent the straps38, 40 and frame from sinking into tissue and losing strength andproviding a surface for anchoring straps. The compression plates 74, 76,82, 84 along with the struts of the hinge assemblies 32 are designed toprovide medial and lateral stability when the system is tight.

The connectors' 78, 86 purpose is to connect the proximal and distalmedial and lateral compression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 and keep them inposition. The first distal medial to lateral connector 86 is designed asthe primary stabilizing component to hold the proximal tibia in place.The compression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 may come in various differentlevels of flex/stiffness to regulate different levels of flexibility toestablish different levels of stability.

The proximal compression system 28 and the distal compression system 30are pivotally connected with hinge assemblies 32. As discussed belowwith regard to FIGS. 8-14, the hinge assemblies 32 are configured toallow rotation of the proximal compression system 28 with respect to thedistal compression system 30 when the user's leg is in flexion to allowrotation of the thigh with respect to the calf, but limit or preventrotation when the leg is extended. This allows a more natural movementfor the user than a rigid hinge would allow.

The configuration of proximal/distal compression systems 28, 38 with thefirst and second straps 38, 40 provide leverage to apply compression tothe soft tissue in the thigh and calf and provide limiting stability tothe ACL and PCL to augment stability at the proximal tibia. When the legis extending, the first strap 38 and second strap 40 pull the proximaland distal compression plates tight against the leg. This actioncompresses soft tissue “muscle groups” at the thigh and calf andstiffens the frame to create upper level stability. When the leg flexes,the compression systems 28, 30 expand allowing comfort and mobility inflexion. Thus, the assemblies 28, 30 compress in extension and expand inflexion in conjunction with the straps 38, 40.

The first strap 38 and the second strap 40 may also provide a limitingfunction. As the second strap 40 pulls tight in extension applyingleverage around the proximal compression plates 74, 76 and the distalcompression plates 82, 84 and goes around first distal medial to lateralconnector 86 compressing it and pulling posterior to augmentingstability for the ACL. The first strap 38 pulls to apply leverage aroundthe proximal compression plates 74, 76 and distal compression plates 82,84 and pulls longitudinally or parallel to the longitudinal axis of thelegs posterior in extension providing strength to the PCL to preventhyperextension. In one embodiment, this limits from approximately 25degrees in extension and expands in flexion. As discussed above, thelevel of stability can be adjusted by changing the tightness of thefirst and second straps 38, 40 at the connectors. Each strap 38, 40 canbe adjusted individually to pinpoint stability to the area of stabilityneed without over tightening the entire support to maintain comfort andmobility.

In one embodiment, the compression systems 28, 30 provide modularstability that may be customized for a particular user's needs. Forexample, the distal and/or proximal compression plates 74, 76 82, 84and/or distal and/or proximal connectors 78, 86 may be formed fromplastic with various levels of plate density of flexibility that can bechanged to allow create various different levels of stability. Thisallows a physician to mix and match stability range from post op,through the rehab process and change stability needs for long term useduring the user's specified sports activity. Additionally, as seen inthe example shown in FIG. 6, there may be an add-on proximal metal crossmember 90 and/or a distal metal cross member 92 that can be added tocreate an additional level or maximum stability for medial and lateralprotection. The add-on cross members 90, 92 may have proximal and distalarticulating middle connectors 94 that move up and down and could beadjusted for different leg diameters. The cross members 90, 92 may beconnected non-statically at distal struts 96 to allow the cross members90, 92 with a screw to articulate with the frame that allow the frame toflex and prevent from constraining the joint. Modular components allow avariety of options to match specific instabilities of the user with theuser's specific level of sports demand.

FIGS. 8-14 show various components of an example hinge assembly 32 thatcould be used with the knee brace assembly 10 to increase naturalmovement of the user by allowing rotation when the user's leg is inflexion while preventing rotation in extension. In this example, thehinge assembly 32 includes a proximal strut 98 and a distal strut 100.As shown, the proximal strut 98 is connected with an inside hinge plate102 and an outside hinge plate 104 using fasteners 106. The distal strut100 includes an arcuate slot 108 that is dimensioned to receive a pin110 to provide limited angular movement between the distal strut 100 andthe proximal strut 98. In this example, the proximal strut 98 and distalstrut 100 are a free floating joint connected together by a pin 110.Typically, the hinge assembly 32 is made of metal construction formedial and lateral stability. In some cases, the hinge assembly 32 maybe covered with a hinge sleeve 113, such as a neoprene sleeve.

In this example, the hinge plates 102, 104 include undulating camsurfaces 112 that allow the distal strut 100 to move freely (includingrotation about a longitudinal axis) inside the plates 102, 104corresponding to when the user's leg is in flexion to allow relativerotation between the proximal compression system 28 and the distalcompression system 30 in flexion. As the hinge assembly 32 returns toextension, the cam surfaces 112 on the hinge plates 102, 104 areconfigured to gradually reduce rotation between the distal strut 100 andthe proximal strut 98. In one embodiment, from around 25 degrees to fullextension of the user's leg, the cam surfaces 112 on the plates 102, 104are configured to prevent any rotation to stabilize the joint. This isan improvement over rigid braces that restrict natural, kinematicmovements of the thigh and calf. In the hinge assembly 32, the thigh andcalf may move independently to allow the tibia to rotate on the femur inflexion and stabilizes in extension. This allows natural kinematics formobility but provides stability and support at the proximal tibia.

FIGS. 15-16 show the example knee brace assembly 10 with the user's kneein flexion and FIGS. 17-19 show the user's knee in extension. When theleg extends, the proximal and distal compression systems 28, 30 areactivated by straps 38, 40—the compression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 tightenaround the thigh and calf. The proximal and distal compression plates74, 76, 82, 84 are still allowed flex to allow independent rotation atthe thigh and calf that in turn allows the user to have superiorpivoting movement. The non-mechanical tracking free floating hingeassembly 32 has cam surfaces 112 on the inside and outside plates 102,104 that allow the hinge assembly 32 to have rotation in flexion toallow the tibia to rotate on the femur in flexion. As the leg returns toextension, the hinge assembly 32 gradually reduces rotation. In oneembodiment, the hinge assembly 32 reduces rotation from approximately 25degrees to full extension so the hinge assembly 32 is stabile does notallow rotation at the joint. The upper and lower compression plates 74,76, 82, 84 transfer the stability to the joint space for continuousstability in flexion and extension.

The first and second straps 38, 40 are placed around and the compressionplates 74, 76, 82, 84 in strap captures in leverage positions that pullthe compression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 tight against the thigh and calfas the leg goes into extension to compress soft tissue. Both straps 38,40 have buckles 46, 48 at the proximal anterior surface of thecompression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 and can be tightened individually tofocus on a specific instability or tightened to allow greatercompression for a higher level of stability. The system is activatedwhen the leg is going into extension by pulling the straps 38, 40 tight,as the leg returns to flexion the system relaxes allowing thecompression plates 74, 76, 82, 84 to expand and allow mobility.

The second strap 40 provides stability to the ACL by using leveragearound the proximal anterior and distal anterior frame and strut anchors58, 60, 62, 64. When the leg is going into extension, it pulls the firstdistal medial to lateral connector 86 posterior to augment stability tothe ACL.

The first strap 38 provides stability to the PCL by using the same typeof leverage as the second strap 40. As the leg goes into extension thefirst strap 38 pulls tight posterior longitudinal or parallel to the legto provide stability to the PCL. As the pressure increases from theanterior side, either by contact or force, stability increases toprovide hyperextension support to the PCL.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference toparticular means, materials, and embodiments, from the foregoingdescription, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essentialcharacteristics of the invention and various changes and modificationsmay be made to adapt the various uses and characteristics withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A knee brace assembly comprising: a proximal compression systemadapted to be secured to the thigh; a distal compression system adaptedto be secured to the calf; a lateral hinge assembly connecting a lateralportion of the proximal compression system and a lateral portion of thedistal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximalcompression system with respect to the distal compression system; amedial hinge assembly connecting a medial portion of the proximalcompression system and a medial portion of the distal compression systemto permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system withrespect to the distal compression system; and at least one inelasticstrap extending around the proximal compression system and the distalcompression system, wherein the strap is leveraged to tighten theproximal compression system and the distal compression system tocompress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, butto release the proximal compression system and the distal compressionsystem when the leg is in flexion.
 2. The knee brace assembly of claim1, wherein the lateral hinge assembly and the medial hinge assembly areconfigured to provide more than one axis of rotation when the leg is inflexion, but only provide one axis of rotation when the leg is extended.3. The knee brace assembly of claim 1, wherein the lateral hingeassembly and the medial hinge assembly are configured to rotate about alongitudinal axis of each respective hinge assembly when the leg is inflexion.
 4. The knee brace assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe lateral hinge assembly or the medial hinge assembly include a camsurface that restricts movement to a single axis when the leg isextended, but allows movement in more than one axis when the leg is inflexion.
 5. The knee brace assembly of claim 1, wherein the lateralhinge assembly and the medial hinge assembly are configured to allow thethigh and calf may move independently to allow the tibia to rotate onthe femur when the leg is in flexion, but stabilizes in extension. 6.The knee brace assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the lateralhinge assembly or the medial hinge assembly include a proximal strut anda distal strut, further comprising a pin pivotally connecting proximalstrut with the distal strut, wherein the proximal strut and the distalstrut are moveable with respect to each other about an axis other than alongitudinal axis of the pin when the leg is in flexion, but a camsurface restricts movement of the proximal strut and the distal strut torotation only about the pin when the leg is extended.
 7. The knee braceassembly of claim 6, further comprising a first plate and a second platesurrounding a connection between the proximal strut and the distalstrut, wherein at least one of the first plate or the second plateinclude a cam surface that restricts movement of the distal strut withrespect to the proximal strut.
 8. The knee brace assembly of claim 7,wherein the cam surface restricts movement of the distal strut withrespect to the proximal strut to pivotally about the longitudinal axisof the pin when the leg is in extension, but allows free movementbetween the distal strut and the proximal strut when the leg is inflexion.
 9. The knee brace assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe proximal compression system or the distal compression systemincludes a medial compression plate and a lateral compression platejoined by a medial to lateral connector.
 10. The knee brace assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the medial compression plate and the lateralcompression plate are formed from plastic.
 11. The knee brace assemblyof claim 10, further comprising a metal add-on connector that isconnected to the medial compression plate and the lateral compressionplate.
 12. The knee brace assembly of claim 9, wherein the medialcompression plate and the lateral compression plate are configured tocompress soft tissue surrounding the knee when the leg is in extension.13. The knee brace assembly of claim 12, further comprising a pluralityof compression plates having varying flexibilities that can beselectively chosen to vary stability of the knee brace assembly.
 14. Aknee brace assembly comprising: a proximal compression system adapted tobe secured to the thigh; a distal compression system adapted to besecured to the calf; a lateral hinge assembly connecting a lateralportion of the proximal compression system and a lateral portion of thedistal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximalcompression system with respect to the distal compression system,wherein the lateral hinge assembly is configured to provide more thanone axis of movement when the leg is in flexion, but only provide oneaxis of rotation when the leg is extended; a medial hinge assemblyconnecting a medial portion of the proximal compression system and amedial portion of the distal compression system to permit rotationalmovement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distalcompression system, wherein the lateral hinge assembly is configured toprovide more than one axis of movement when the leg is in flexion, butonly provide one axis of rotation when the leg is extended; a firststrap including a pair of open ends extending around the proximalcompression system; a second strap including a pair of open endsextending around the proximal compression system; and wherein the firststrap and the second strap are leveraged to provide stability to the PCLand ACL by tightening the proximal compression system and the distalcompression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf whenthe leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system andthe distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.
 15. The kneebrace assembly of claim 14, further comprising a first buckle connectingthe open ends of the first strap together, wherein the first buckle isconfigured to tighten and loosen the first strap.
 16. The knee braceassembly of claim 15, further comprising a second buckle connecting theopen ends of the second strap together, wherein the second buckle isconfigured to tighten and loosen the second strap.
 17. The knee braceassembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of the lateral hinge assemblyor the medial hinge assembly include a proximal strut and a distalstrut, further comprising a pin pivotally connecting proximal strut withthe distal strut, wherein the proximal strut and the distal strut aremoveable with respect to each other about an axis other than alongitudinal axis of the pin when the leg is in flexion, but a camsurface restricts movement of the proximal strut and the distal strut torotation only about the pin when the leg is extended.
 18. The knee braceassembly of claim 17, further comprising one or more posterior anchorsconfigured to receive at least one of the first strap or the secondstrap.
 19. The knee brace assembly of claim 18, wherein at least one ofthe first strap or the second strap crosses upon itself.
 20. A kneebrace assembly comprising: a proximal compression system adapted to besecured to the thigh; a distal compression system adapted to be securedto the calf; hinge means for pivotally connecting the proximalcompression system and the distal compression system, wherein the hingemeans is configured to allow the thigh and calf may move independentlyto allow the tibia to rotate on the femur when the leg is in flexion,but restricts movement of the proximal compression system with respectto the distal compression system to rotation about an axis when the legis in extension; and at least one inelastic strap extending around theproximal compression system and the distal compression system, whereinthe strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system andthe distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh andcalf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compressionsystem and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.